Tip is for: Unreserved passengers and ladies especially those with kids.
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Siddhaganga is one of the most popular trains towards Hubballi. Getting a seat in this train at SBC (Majestic) itself is very tough. The space is even less with all coaches being the seating type (3+3) unlike the long seats with luggage racks at top for seating as seen in long distance trains.
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So here is what you do. Go to Yeshvantpur YPR station at around 11 AM, buy 2 tickets: 1 from YPR to SBC costing some 10rs and another from SBC to where ever you want to go (Superfast ticket). Go to PF no. 3 and wait for the Shivamogga ICE. Shivamogga train has rake (coach) sharing with Siddhaganga SF train. When that train comes (usually late at 12), board one of the GEN coaches and when SBC comes take over the seat from whoever alights. Many come to YPR to board the SMET train knowing this rake sharing, so look around and get the seat at SBC as fast as possible. Also try for a seat that is closer to the LCD TVs :)
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For ladies:
- You can either go to YPR as mentioned above or if you can't then at SBC PF 9, walk to the extreme end towards Mysuru side. When the train comes people will fight to get into the GEN coaches. Women and those with kids can't get into GEN coaches. At that time try to board the last coach called SLR - a combined coach for guard, physically challenged people and for ladies. The board indicating that it is for ladies is not displayed but it is understood it is for them. Even if men try to enter you can call RPF for help.
- There are 2 SLR coaches. Many think that only the front one is for ladies and never realise that at the rear too one is present. Usually very few board the rear SLR. Only when people start fighting for seats do the RPF come and send women to the rear SLR.
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